ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611040136
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG
SOURCE: ANGIE WATTS STAFF WRITER
Frustrations abounded among members of Christiansburg High School's team Friday after the Demons suffered a 44-3 throttling by the Salem Spartans during their last home game of the year. What was supposed to be a cheerful sendoff game for the 14 seniors on the Demons' roster ended in disappointment.
Despite jumping out to a 3-0 lead on a 32-yard field goal by Matt Wright on its first possession of the game , the Demons (3-6 overall, 1-5 Blue Ridge) managed just five first downs the rest of the game.
``We gave them that early three and a little momentum, but then our defense played really well,'' said Spartans coach Willis White. ``Our defense has really played well after that first game of the year. There are still some errors there, but we seem to be getting better every time out.''
Salem (7-2, 5-2) sophomore Brandon Poff started the scoring barrage, capping off a six-play drive with a 2-yard score. Christiansburg's John Hindle fumbled the ensuing kickoff return, and the Spartans' Seth Williams recovered.
Less than three minutes later, Salem junior Chris Stuart scored on a 2-yard run.
``Our offensive line was opening up great big holes,'' said Spartans' quarterback R.J. Beckwith. ``And when the running game is working that opens up the passing game.''
After Poff ran into the end zone from 1 yard out midway through the second quarter, Salem's special teams unit got into the action. Linebacker Jeff Akers blocked a punt attempt by Wright through the end zone for a safety.
Beckwith hit John Hancock on a 4-yard score to the left corner of the end zone for a 30-3 lead at the half.
``We were spotty, not quite as consistent as the last few weeks, but of course there's nothing to complain about,'' White said.
That went for not only the first half of action, but the second half as well. Beckwith avoided heavy pressure by the Christiansburg defense with 6:57 remaining in the third quarter and found a wide-open Bryant Parker streaking down the middle for a 52-yard touchdown toss. Beckwith finished 10-of-13 for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
``They got some good pressure on me but our receiver ran a great route,'' Beckwith said. ``The defense had to decide whether to go after me or him and they decided to go after me that left [Parker] wide open.''
Salem reserve running back Terry McNeil finished the scoring on a 46-yard breakaway run down the right sideline for a 44-3 lead with 1:35 to play. Freshman running back Dennis Haley led Salem's ground attack with 60 yards on 12 carries. McNeil finished second in total yardage with 46 on two carries.
The Demons' running attack was led by Mike Scott, who led all rushers with 106 yards on 17 carries. Christiansburg coach Mike Cole left the field without comment.
The two teams will both close out the regular season next Friday with district play as Christiansburg heads to Alleghany and Salem plays host to Rockbridge County.
``The way we've played the last couple games there's no need for us to change anything,'' Beckwith said. ``We're ready.''
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 64 linesby CNB